Employees at Anderson’s insurance office in Bedford were distraught to find out the news.

Stan Horton not only worked next door to Anderson but also was his client for more than two decades. “John always took care of my business just like it was his own,” he said. “ I feel that I’ve lost a friend, not just an insurance agent.”

Officials at Grand Canyon National Park said Anderson was visiting the park with his family Saturday. It was some time around 8 a.m. when he fell some 350 feet from the South Rim near El Tovar Lodge.

Park Rangers located the 53-year-old’s body, but were unable to resuscitate him.

Officials with the National Park Service and Coconino County Medical Examiner are investigating.

Horton said, “I felt like I lost part of my family. I mean, he was just that good a friend. I just know that I share, in my own way, in his co-workers loss and his family. Our prayers go our to them.”

Anderson’s family released a statement that said:

“On behalf of the family of John Anderson, we are deeply touched by the outpouring of support from the local community at John’s unfortunate accident. The family has only in the last few hours had the opportunity to meet together, and we appreciate the interest from the community and local media but request that the privacy of the family be respected. Services are being handled by Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home and Memorial Park and are planned for this Friday and Saturday, but the details and times are not finalized at this time. The family expects to provide additional details shortly through Bluebonnet Hills. The family does not intend to provide any additional statements or interviews. Thank you for respecting the privacy and wishes of the Anderson family.”

Authorities at the Grand Canyon say Anderson’s death is the first of the year attributed to a fall from the canyon’s edge.

Memorial Services for John Anderson will be held at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home on Friday and Saturday.